WATCH: FORMER STARS CELEBRATED ROR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Hundreds of former racehorses proved there is plenty of life after racing as a record-breaking number gathered at Aintree for the 2026 Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) National Championships.
More than 350 horses bred to take to the racecourse took part in this year's six-day event, held at Aintree Equestrian Centre in August, making it the largest Championships in the charity's history.
The event celebrates the remarkable second careers of retired racehorses, showcasing the many different paths Thoroughbreds can follow once they leave the sport. Across the week, former racehorses competed in disciplines ranging from dressage and showjumping to arena eventing and showing classes, demonstrating the versatility, athleticism and willingness that make them so popular beyond the racetrack.
For many spectators, some of the most memorable moments came away from the competition arena.
There was an emotional farewell for two much-loved former racehorses reaching the end of their competitive careers. First Fandango, the 2023 RoR Horse of the Year, took his final lap of honour at the age of 19 alongside owner Hannah Chisman, while 22-year-old Amroth Bay, a multiple Championships winner, also bowed out after years of success in his second career.
The Championships highlighted how active retired racehorses can remain well into their later years, with more than 80 veteran horses taking part across the week. Their participation showcased how Thoroughbreds can continue to thrive long after leaving racing behind.
Visitors were also treated to appearances from some familiar names from the track as part of the Always a Star Parades, supported by Great British Racing. The parades featured former racehorses who earned more than £100,000 during their racing careers and gave racing fans the chance to see old favourites thriving in retirement.
Alongside the competition, organisers continued their focus on horse welfare and responsible horsemanship. An independent welfare group supporting the Championships reported encouraging improvements in standards, highlighting strong partnerships between horses and riders and praising competitors for putting their horses' wellbeing first.
The event also welcomed guests as part of National Racehorse Week, offering a behind-the-scenes insight into the work of Retraining of Racehorses and helping visitors learn more about what happens when a racehorse's time on the track comes to an end.
David Catlow, Managing Director of Retraining of Racehorses, said the Championships are about much more than winning trophies.
"These Championships celebrate everything that makes former racehorses so special," he said.
"It's about seeing horses enjoying happy, healthy and fulfilling lives after racing and showcasing the incredible range of opportunities available to them.
"Whether they're competing at a high level, trying something completely new or simply enjoying life with their owners, every horse here is a fantastic ambassador for life after racing."
The record turnout at Aintree reflects growing enthusiasm for retrained racehorses and offers a powerful reminder that retirement from racing is not an ending, but the beginning of a new chapter.
To watch more from the ROR Championships, visit Great British Racing on YouTube and meet Reach For The Moon, a horse formerly owned and bred by the late Queen Elizabeth II.